The Migrant

By Robert van Rixtel09-03-2019

After being voted one of the Best Dutch Book Designs, The Migrant was submitted to the international jury of ‘Schönste Bücher aus aller Welt’. The book design by Teun van der Heijden was awarded the Bronze Medal at this prestigious competition.

Photobook ‘The Migrant’ tells the turbulent life story of the Javan mynah bird. A member of the starling family, the bird is originally from Java (Indonesia) and was introduced to Singapore in the early 20th century through the songbird trade. Today, he is reviled, persecuted and even killed. The book tells a story about one bird, but at the same time it addresses broader themes such as the complex relationship between humans and animals, the consequences of rapid urbanization and the position of the unwanted outsider.

The book was designed by Teun van der Heijden. It contains silk screen prints, illustrations by renowned Singaporean cartoonist Sonny Liew and a handmade pop-up by artist Moon Brouwer. The book is a work of art in itself that can be used to share the story of the Javan mynah with others.